Millions of people want to give up smoking, however, wanting to quit, and actually quitting smoking are two different things. Cigarettes are harder to quit than heroin, so help may be required, unless you are extremely strong-willed and can quit "cold turkey." Hypnosis can assist with all kinds of addictions, including smoking. For the positive suggestions to be accepted by the subconscious mind, 10 or more sessions will be required with the hypnotherapist.
Function
Deep trance can be achieved through relaxation techniques such as words, music, vibrations and subliminal messages. Hypnotic words are spoken in a monotonous tone, including key words such as "calm" and "relax," and short phrases such as "close your eyes and imagine." The patient is read words that describe an idyllic place, such as an island with palm fronds waving in the warm breeze as he walks barefoot along a white sandy beach.
Effects
The hypnotherapist directs the conscious mind to a safe, serene place to relax while getting through to the subconscious mind, which really rules the mind's thought patterns. While the magician uses "slight of hand" to trick the eyes, the hypnotherapist uses "slight of mind" to bypass the conscious mind to get to the subconscious, or unconscious mind.
Considerations
The patient is asked to make himself comfortable on the couch with his legs together but not crossed. The patient's hands should be by his sides, relaxed and comfortable. The hypnotherapist will ask questions and take notes regarding mental state, family problems and personal questions that may be pertinent in resolving smoking cessation issues. Stress, mental issues, pressure at school or work, and coping with small children and finances may all fall into the line of questioning to give the hypnotherapist a little background and valuable insight on the patient's medical history with which to base future therapeutic scripts.
First Stage
A series of scripts are used to help with smoking cessation. The initial script used by the hypnotherapist is called the "induction script" which consists of suggestions to relax and asks the patient to listen to the hypnotherapist's voice and concentrate on a spot just above eye-level. This helps concentration and focus.
Second Stage
After the induction script is read, a "deepener" script is used to help therapy by inducing a deeper state of relaxation to place the patient in a trance-like state, to better reach the subconscious mind and reprogram the thoughts. The patient is asked to inhale deep breaths and let them out slowly, and told that with each cleansing breath, the urge and craving for a cigarette lessens.
Final Stage
The third and final script to be read by the hypnotherapist is the main script and the longest. Hypnotherapy scripts are never rushed and a session may last anywhere between 60 and 90 minutes. Pauses in the script are observed so the words can penetrate deep into the subconscious mind, replacing negative habits with positive suggestions that will enable the patient to kick the habit and join the ranks of the nonsmokers.
Benefits
Post-hypnotic suggestions are often used to enable the patient to benefit fully from the hypnotherapy sessions, such as the hypnotherapist telling the patient that with "every glass of cool fresh water you drink it will wash away toxins in your body and rid the craving for a cigarette." Successful hypnotherapy depends on the patient's willingness to change and make positive decisions to accomplish a healthy lifestyle.
Tags: subconscious mind, conscious mind, craving cigarette, enable patient, induction script, patient asked